President of the Republic, Ilir Meta has reacted Friday regarding the 70th anniversary of the extrajudicial shooting of 22 intellectuals, executed on the fabricated charge of dropping a bomb on the former Soviet Legation in Tirana. 

While considering the event one of the most serious state crimes of that system, which should never be forgotten in order not to not allow such tragedies to be repeated in the future, President Meta underlined that people that sleep in democracy, risk one day waking up to dictatorship. 

"Following the fabricated accusation for the bombing of the former Soviet Legation in Tirana, today marks the 70th anniversary when 22 prominent intellectuals, innocent, honest and patriotic citizens, tied together with barbed wire, were brutally executed with shooting, without trial. 

This horrific massacre, carried out overnight, a symbol of terror against dissent, is one of the most serious state crimes of that system, which should never be forgotten, to not allow such tragedies to be repeated in the future. 

Honoring the memory of the innocent victims Sabiha Kasimati, Tefik Shehu, Pjetër Guraziu, Jonuz Kaceli, Anton Delhysa, Haki Kodra, Gafur Jegeni, Myftar Jegeni, Manush Peshkëpia, Reiz Selfo, Qemal Kasaruho, Zyhdi Herri, Gjon Temali, Petro K Lezo, Pandeli Nova, Thoma Katundi, Mehmet Skopje, Ali Qorralliu, Fadil Dizdari, Hekuran Troka and Lluka Raskovic, the massacre of February 26, 1951, reminds us today that democracy must be defended every day and with every sacrifice. 

Because 'a people that sleeps in a democracy risks waking up to a dictatorship one day.' Therefore, April 25 will be the Day of Triumph of Democracy and the Power of Vote of every citizen of the Republic," declared Meta.